Nissan Repair: Gauges Not Working, 2007 nissan altima, nissan altima

Question
QUESTION: I have a 2007 Nissan Altima 2.5S and the lights for the gauges in the dash are not lighting up. Everything else is lighting but not the gauges so I can see what speed I'm going or the temp of the car/how much fuel I have and I have to rely on the number I see with a shadow over it at night to know how fast I'm driving. Would I need to replace the fuse or have something repaired?

ANSWER: Hi Dylcia -

If the instrument panel is lighting up, but not the gauges itself, then it is not the fuse, or dimmer switch.

The individual light bulb(s) that illuminate the gauges will have to be replaced. This will entail removing the instrument panel to access the bulbs behind, which includes all the bulbs it uses.

If you are doing this yourself, let me know and I can give you some instructions. It is quite cumbersome, so I would suggest replacing all the bulbs so that you won't have to do this again anytime soon.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I would prefer to do it myself if possible. If you do know how to replace it, I would be very grateful for instructions. Thank you again.

Answer
Hi Dylcia -

You will need to remove the instrument panel first. I believe they are all philips screws or could be torx (the star type).

Once you remove all the screws then pull it out. Disconnect all harnesses to the panel, remembering how it went back for easier re-install. Pull the panel out further until you can reach the speedometer housing attached to the back of the panel. Press the clip down at the same time pulling the housing back, this will free up the housing from the panel. Now you can remove the panel from the dash. All your light bulbs should be on the panel. Replace them all and reinstall, reverse order of removal.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin